The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday that foreigners seeking to adjust their immigration status to obtain green cards must now do so from outside the United States through the State Department. This policy change has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant aid groups.
Policy Details
In a policy memo, USCIS directed officers to evaluate each case individually when determining whether extraordinary relief is warranted. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees USCIS, stated that individuals temporarily in the U.S. who want a green card must return to their home country to apply. The department emphasized that this policy ensures the immigration system functions as intended by law, rather than incentivizing loopholes.
USCIS noted that the new policy would free up agency resources to focus on processing other cases.
Criticism from Aid Groups
HIAS, an aid organization serving refugees and other immigrant groups, condemned the move. The group argued that USCIS is forcing survivors of human trafficking, as well as abused and neglected children, to return to the dangerous countries they fled in order to process their green card applications. These applications grant permanent residency in the U.S.
Context of Broader Immigration Restrictions
Friday's policy change is the latest in a series of steps by President Donald Trump to tighten migration to the United States. Last year, the Trump administration shortened the duration of visas for students, cultural exchange visitors, and members of the media. In January, the State Department announced it had revoked over 100,000 visas since Trump took office the previous year.
